PNP, pastors’ group focus on juvenile delinquents
REFORMING ARRESTED MINORS
STA. BARBARA—The increasing number of minors being arrested for committing petty crimes and/or participation in major crimes are beginning to alarm the town’s citizenry.
To address the looming social problem, the Sta. Barbara Police Station (SBPS) also began working with a volunteer teachers and pastors’ group, Pastors and Teachers Minesterial Organization of Sta. Barbara (PATMOS).
P/Sr. Inspector Wilmer Pagaduan, chief of Sta. Barbara Police Station (SBPS), said he observed that the number of minors being involved in crimes has been increasing, and from petty thefts to robberies and illegal possession of firearms.
Recently, he said a 14- year old was arrested for stealing a parked motorcycle. The young robber reportedly admitted to be behind other lost motorcycles in the town.
“But all we can do but to simply turn him over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) since he is a minor,” Pagaduan said.
Months earlier, three children below 13 years old were also caught stealing from houses.
“They were pushing carts, collecting or buying bottles, newspapers and metals as they move around, they also pick up things as they passed houses, including light bulbs, wires and metal junks without permission from owners,” Pagaduan said.
A 15- year old was also recently arrested for illegal possession of firearm when he was spotted by a patrol toting a gun.
“He claimed it was his father’s gun,” he said.
Pagaduan said the juvenile delinquents now undergo series of counseling by members PATMOS after they are released by DSWD.
“We are glad they are there to guide our young people who are lost or used by criminals”, said Pagaduan.
The police chief said there are already valid grounds to seek the amendment of the juvenile delinquency law.
“The law should be updated to adopt to the modus of criminals that use the minors to evade arrest while pursuing their criminal activities” he said. (Hilda Austria)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
